FREE TO APPLY, nominations for The Brit List 2019 close on Friday August 9…

Calling all interior designers, architects, hoteliers and suppliers who operate in Britain, you have until Friday to submit your free entries for The Brit List 2019. Once all nominations/applications have been gathered, the expert judging panel will decide who will from this year’s The Brit List. All will be unveiled – including the individual award winners – on November 21 at an exclusive awards ceremony and evening drinks reception.

The concept of The Brit List, which launched in 2017, results in 75 names, split into three categories (designers, architects and hoteliers), being listed as true movers and shakers. The list will be created around the nominations (applications close on August 9) from the following awards that are up for grabs:

Interior Designer of the Year

Architect of the Year

Hotelier of the Year

Best in Tech

The Eco Award

Best in British Product Design – NEW CATEGORY FOR 2019

Outstanding Contribution to the Hospitality Industry

Suppliers: £150 + VAT (Please click here if you are a supplier to the industry to secure your ticket)Designers, hoteliers, developers and architects: £20 + VAT (Please click here if you are either a designer, hotelier, developer or architect and secure your ticket)

In addition to attending The Brit List 2019 Awards, there are also various sponsorship opportunities for suppliers. If you would like to know more about these, please contact Katy Phillips on email or by calling 01992 474050.

As the world focuses its attention on amplifying equality in all forms, editor Hamish Kilburn believes now is the time to break down why diversity in British design is something the industry should celebrate and be proud of…

We’ve come a long way, and although the journey hasn’t exactly been a seamless one, here we are in Britain in 2019 where we are free to love whoever we want. The next mission is now to work towards a society that campaigns for equal opportunities for all.

Our colourful industry, which is full to the brim of creative people, can be at the best of times a forceful catalyst for good and I believe, together, we can significantly do more than our bit in order for that dream to become a reality – and it starts here.

For a little more than a year now, since proudly joining the Hotel Designs editorial desk, I have tried perilously to understand what it is about the UK that makes it one of the major design destinations around the world. Despite its scale, Britain, the tiny little speck of land in the northern hemisphere, attracts the majority of the leading designers, hoteliers, architects and suppliers to train, flourish and go on to lead the industry forward into an innovative direction.

Today, just two weeks after we officially opened nominations for The Brit List 2019, I’m seeing London from a completely unrivalled perspective – and it is a beautiful moment to witness. Peering over the edge of a rooftop bar, every colour of the rainbow is being amplified loudly on the streets below. As many as 1.5 million people have attended Pride London 2019, which is now being hailed the UK’s largest and most diverse Pride parade to date.

“By celebrating and supporting the concept of diversity – and by not oppressing original ideas that challenge convention – we can allow new thoughts to emerge.”

There’s an Albert Einstein quote that hangs on our office wall. It reads: “Creativity is intelligence having fun.” For some, it may signify the balance of designers, hoteliers, architects and suppliers thinking outside the box while also designing with purpose. For me, though, it encourages one to take on a challenge and make it fun! That way, with the ability of adding your stamp to your work, you will not only throw intelligence at the problem, but also personality and individual ideas too.

This, I believe, is where the UK flourishes on the international design scene. By celebrating and supporting the concept of diversity – and by not oppressing original ideas that challenge convention – we can allow new thoughts to emerge and evolve, which, as a result, gives original concepts a nudge forward in the right direction. Jack Irving is the perfect example. The fashion designer who has worked with the likes of Lady Gaga and The Spice Girls has just completed his first interior design project. Irving’s commissioned work for W London has resulted in introducing our industry to new, unconventional materials. On the other hand there’s Zaha Hadid Architects, with its firm footprint as an industry leader, that is turning new architecture chapters, with the likes of Morpheus, that create new elegant dimensions.

The Brit List 2019, our annual awards event, is all about championing the most influential and inspirational designers, hoteliers, architects and suppliers. In order to keep the whole process as open as possible, we have ensured that applying for our nationwide search is completely free.

In an industry full of leaders and visionaries, who are designing the cities of our future, it makes sense for us to also carve the path for others when it comes to celebrating diversity. Here are Hotel Designs, we are determined to continue to praise and offer a platform to people, projects, and plans on the boards that further challenge convention.

Calling all designers, architects, hoteliers and suppliers who operate from or have a presence in Britain: The Brit List 2019, Hotel Designs’ annual awards, is free to apply for. Nominations/applications close on August 9.

In an aim to ensure that Hotel Designs’ nationwide search to find the best interior designers, architects, hoteliers and suppliers operating in Britain, The Brit List remains completely free to apply for.

The concept of The Brit List, which launched in 2017, results in 75 names, split into three categories (designers, architects and hoteliers), being listed as true movers and shakers. The list will be created around the nominations from the following awards that are up for grabs:

Interior Designer of the Year

Architect of the Year

Hotelier of the Year

Best in Tech

The Eco Award

Best in British Product Design – NEW CATEGORY FOR 2019

Outstanding Contribution to the Hospitality Industry

“Now with suppliers able to participate in the awards element, The Brit List has allowed us to physically bridge the gap between industry leaders,” said Hamish Kilburn, editor of Hotel Designs.

On November 21, the shortlisted finalists of designers, hoteliers, architects as well as key suppliers to the industry will gather at Patch East, Londonwhere The Brit List 2019 will be unveiled along with the individual winners . “We have, yet again, deliberately kept nominations for The Brit List 2019 free for all to apply in order to maintain a fair opportunity for all designers, hoteliers, architects and suppliers who believe they deserve to be profiled in The Brit List 2019,” explains Hamish Kilburn, editor of Hotel Designs. “As a judge, I am personally looking forward to leading another nationwide search in order to find and platform exceptional creative thinkers who are operating or manufacturing in Britain today.” Patch East, London is a fabulous venue for our non-traditional awards ceremony, and we look forward to welcoming the industry’s finest for a night of celebration and high-profile networking.”

Early-bird tickets for the award ceremony are now available to purchase:

Please click here if you are a supplier to the industry to secure your ticket NOW!

Please click here if you are either a designer, hotelier, developer or architect and secure your ticket NOW!

The judges for The Brit List 2019

Florence Rolfe, Former Deputy Decoration Editor, House & Garden

Edward Webb, Director of Development Management, Nuveen Real Estate

Hamish Kilburn, Editor, Hotel Designs

Harriet Forde, BIID President

Mel Yates, Photographer

Jacu Strauss, Founder of Lore Studio | Image credit: Emily Andrews

Last year’s winners of The Brit List, who were crowned at an exclusive drinks evening in London, included Martin Brudnizki from Martin Brudnizki Design Studio, Conor O’Leary from Gleneagles and Robin Sheppard from Bespoke hotels, among many others.

Please note that there is NO FEE to nominate and/or apply for The Brit List 2019.

In Conversation With: Harriet Forde, the up-coming President of the BIID

Editor Hamish Kilburn heads backstage to join Harriet Forde, the interior designer waiting in the wings to become the President of the British Institute of Interior Design (BIID)…

As far as interviewing a leading designer goes, I have never, until now at least, agreed to meet in a converted traditional men’s public toilet in London. Surprisingly, though, The Attendant in Fitzrovia turns out to be the perfect quirky backdrop for such an occasion.

The underground coffee shop instantly tells me two things about the designer before I have even managed to ask my first question. The first being that the soon-to-be president of the British Institute of Interior Design (BIID), Harriet Forde, does things differently. The second is that she has a thing about meeting in outlandish – almost kooky – locations because, and I quote: “Meetings like these should be fun, completely memorable and a bit out there.”

Once I had got over the initial shock of us both sitting, propped up on statement green stools, in front of pristine-white restored urinals while listening to country-folk music, I was keen to understand how Forde plans to wear the shoes of her soon-to-be predecessor, The Brit List 2018 judge, Gilly Craft. “There’s only so much you can do and change in a year,” Forde says. “That’s why all three of us, the president elect (currently myself), the president (Gilly Craft) and past president (Charles Leon) all have an active role – and it really is a three-year commitment. Therefore Gilly, for example, will step down as president in a few months, but she will still be very much involved in decisions and responsibilities – which she never shies away from.”

“British designers especially are not afraid to be experimental and they are arguably more willing to embrace the oddities.” – Harriet Forde.

It has been said time and time again – and here it is once more for good measure – that Britain is an unparalleled design hub. Wearing her BIID hat, Forde is the first judge announced for The Brit List 2019, Hotel Designs’ nationwide search for the top interior designers, hoteliers and architects. Forde has her own opinions on why she believes the UK captures some of the world’s best design talent. “Although manufacturing is lacking in Britain, and it is very niche now, there is still a history of craft,” Forde explains. “Still to this day, while manufacturing abroad is cheaper, there are a handful of creative companies who are still making products from British factories, which is something we should encourage and celebrate more. British design has a cache, of sorts, which can be quirky. British designers especially are not afraid to be experimental and they are arguably more willing to embrace the oddities.”

As well as preparing for her Presidency to commence, Forde is also the founder of Harriet Forde Design, a leading design firm that provides comprehensive interior design services and solutions for bars, restaurants, hotels, commercial properties and residential projects. “I very much try to take it one day at a time, using my diary planner to the best of my ability,” says Forde. “It’s a constant re-evaluation to identify the priority and it’s far too easy to over commit.”

QUICK-FIRE ROUND

HK: What’s your favourite type of hotel?HF: I love hotels that have a home-from-home feel, like Kit Kemp’s Firmdale Hotels.

HK: What is your biggest bugbear within the industryHF: Lack of communication between consultants.

HK: Who was your inspiration:HF: Olga Polizzi.

HK: What trend is really inspiring you this year?HF: I am really into marble and to that end I am embarking on learning more about what creates different marble around the world. Italy is running dry with certain types of marble, so other stones are becoming more popular. That and thin porcelain tiles.

HK: What do you hope to bring to your presidency?HF: What value a BIID membership can bring professionally, personally and creatively.

HK: Sketches or renders?HF: A render with sketching, but that’s like choosing between humous and guacamole.

HK: What would you do?HF: I would quite like to be a lighting designer.

It seems as if Forde and I are on the same page when it comes to the limitless possibilities of lighting. “When I started as an interior design, we did our own lighting design as well as specifying the fittings,” she says. “Now, though, with the explosion of LED, it’s such a big world out there full of technical know-how. Therefore, more and more, we are working with lighting designers, on projects because they know what is technically possible and equally impossible.”

Forde’s open approach to not just talking about but really discussing design is refreshing; she is a fountain of knowledge who will make for a strong yet personable president – just like her predecessor. As her choice in venue suggests, our next President of the BIID can spot a design gem from a mile away, which I am sure will stand her in good stead for the phase of her journey.

Following the success of last year’s event, leading bathroom manufacturer Crosswater has become the headline partner for The Brit List 2019…

The Brit List, which is Hotel Designs‘ nationwide search to find the top interior designers, hoteliers and architects, has confirmed that Crosswater, part of Bathroom Brands‘ portfolio, will be the headline partner for the 2019 event.

“Operating in the UK, with its vibrant design community is an honour,” said Mike Bone, Director of Group Projects at Bathroom Brands. “So much of our success, as a business, is generated together with the creative visions developed by this community. Furthering our brand and products in the hearts and minds of designers and architects is critical to our future success.

“Our decision to participate as headline partner at this year’s Brit List is a demonstration of our commitment to support, celebrate and recognise the very best of interior designers, architects and hoteliers today.”

“The Brit List recognises the UK’s best Hotel Design talent and we at IHG are proud to be recognised for the hard work we have done to the interior design of our brands in recent years. We are humbled by the huge amount of design talent amongst the other winners. Congratulations to all involved.” – Emma King, Head of Interior Design Europe, IHG

“We are truly honoured to be included in the Brit List”– Bee Osborn, Creative Director, Osborn Interiors

“Some moments in your life are special. Some are more special than others, so it was a very very special moment for me to receive the Brit List 2018 Outstanding Contribution to the Hospitality Award. I propose to enjoy the moment as Britain remains the very heartbeat of stylist design of the globe.” – Robin Sheppard, CEO, Bespoke Hotels. Winner of Outstanding Contribution to the Hospitality Industry

“I am delighted to have been recognised as one of Britain’s top 25 hoteliers in The Brit List 2018. My team and I are proud of our continued hard work and extraordinary attentiveness to our customers’ satisfaction here at The Gainsborough Bath Spa. It is important to me to go the extra mile for both my guests and staff to ensure everyone has an enjoyable and memorable stay with us in beautiful, historic Bath” – Brian Benson, General Manager, The Gainsborough Hotel and Spa

With further details around The Brit List 2019 to be unveiled soon, including how to nominate and how to apply for this year’s list, the concept will return to London this November. Venue and date TBC, for now.

Excitement and optimism are both thick in the January air. My train carriage on the Eurostar is full to the brim of creative people. Half the passengers on board are interior designers on their way, like me, to Maison&Objet. The other half are fashionistas, bloggers and journalists preparing to arrive at Men’s Paris Fashion Week. Two worlds collide to converge in conversations around this season’s must-see designers and emerging trends to keep an eye on. It reminds me of yesterday when I published my exclusive interview with lighting designer to the stars, Moritz Waldemeyer. In 2007, the young, enthusiastic Waldemeyer found himself in the same unfamiliar setting when fashion legend Hussein Chayalan asked him to create a lighting installation unlike any other for one of the shows.

11 years on from Waldemeyer’s first dip into high fashion and, while trends have shifted, the core of our creative business remains concrete; we are never afraid to knock on doors to chase inspirational ideas.

Ever since 1995, when the show first launched, Maison&Objet has powerfully set the industry up for the year. Yes, recently have witnessed somewhat more of an upsurge in attendees compared to early years, but the show has always given apt context to many of the discussions that ripple through the rest of the 11 months as things undoubtedly develop from the ‘trends’ that ping through to our inboxes on January 1.

“Investigating three separate luxury travel markets over three weeks (aviation, rail and cruise ships), we launched the series Hotels At New Heights.”

Altering course for a moment in order to explore which other worlds are in fact colliding, the cruise industry in recent years has been reaching out to more and more hotel designers to imagine the interiors of future fleets. Investigating three separate luxury travel markets over three weeks (aviation, rail and cruise ships), we launched the series Hotels At New Heights with the aim to understand how our industry can benefit from coming together with other markets.

At the core of all of these topics, bringing the loose strands of ideas together through conversation, is networking. Following the success of Meet Up North and The Brit List 2018, I am proud to announce that our Meet Up London: 30 Under 30 event will take place in Fitzrovia’s trendy neighbourhood on March 28 at Minotti London’s stylish showroom. The deadline for suppliers, designers, hoteliers and architects to claim their early bird tickets is fast approaching (February 7), so click here to purchase your tickets.

I look forward to continuing this adventurous journey with you as Hotel Designs itself prepares to enter a new chapter.

Top architects 2018

Working with David Archer, Howard Jones is a Project Director with 20 years’ experience specialising in delivering a diverse portfolio of building typologies
including commercial, residential, retail, large single mixed-use developments and more recently hotels and hospitality since joining the practice eight
years ago.

The architecture and design that comes out of the London-based studio displays a keen sense of how people behave, or can behave, within a built environment. Within all past projects there is a harmony and unity between architecture, the interiors, the location and the provenance, which creates a great sense of continuity and congruence.

Qualified as an architect, James Dilley also has particular expertise in interior design and so, where possible, Jestico + Whiles’ hospitality projects, such as W Edinburgh in the heart of the city’s UN World Heritage site are delivered under combined architectural and interior design services.

With more than 25 years’ experience of architectural practice, much of it focused on luxury hotel refurbishment, James Twomey has been responsible for statement projects such as The Beaumont, Four Seasons Park Lane and Four Seasons St Petersburg.

Twomey is currently leading the teams responsible for the Adare Manor Hotel, and the proposed Wanda Hotel in Nine Elms London, currently in the early stages of construction.

John Denton’s principal interests in both architecture and urban design have shaped a range of projects over more than 40 years of owning the company. Denton, who is the founding partner of the London-based studio, lectures to schools of architecture, professional institutes and is a well-known keynote speaker.

Denton has internationally recognised skills in the design and leadership of major institutional and public building projects, evidenced through the practice’s significant number of national and international awards for major buildings under his control.

John Simpson pioneered mixed-use sustainable urban design long before it was adopted as government policy in the UK.

Most recently, Simpson has worked on the new public facilities at Kensington Palace as well as landmark projects such The Royal Household of Buckingham Palace and The Royal Collection, St James’ Palace.

Top architects 2018

Established in 2010, Ben Adams Architects has quickly developed a reputation for elegant, contextual architecture balancing function with an appropriate degree of innovation and flair. Its portfolio demonstrates an ability to design buildings that fulfi ll clients’ immediate needs, but which also provides enough fl exibility to meet changing requirements in the future.

Ben Adams, the founding director, has a particular expertise in the intelligent refurbishment of existing buildings, delivering projects which are contemporary yet respectful of their site, surroundings and historic conditions. The company diagnose the existing strengths and weaknesses of a building to fully unlock its potential, rationalising circulation, entrances or social spaces to add experiential and commercial value.

Caroline Smith has been working in professional practice for more than 30 years, a decade of which she spent working with Fox Linton Associates. In 2009 she set up WISH London with the backing of specialist multidisciplinary surveying and design consultancy, GIA.

Over the course of her career, Smith has designed architectural interiors for many private clients, hoteliers and luxury brands, as well as some of the main commercial developers in the UK. WISH recently provided the concept scheme and narrative for a 223-key design hotel in Eastern Europe.

Archer Humphyres were presented with the Inspiration in Design – Architect of the Year award on the night of The Brit List 2018 for 15 years’ experience, working with clients such as Great Northern Hotel, LaLiT London and The Gainsborough Bath and Spa. The practice was praised by the judging panel for its way of designing hotels with a strong focus on the people who would use the spaces.

The architecture and design that comes out of the London-based studio displays a keen sense of how people behave, or can behave, within a built environment. Within all past projects there is a harmony and unity between architecture, the interiors, the location and the provenance, which creates a great sense of continuity and congruence.

Geoff Hull has more than 30 years’ experience specialising in hotels and hospitality including new builds, conversions, refurbishments, restoration and heritage schemes in listed buildings for budget, boutique and luxury brands.

Hull was responsible for the multi award-winning Rosewood London along with Hotel Russell and The Waldorf Hotel.

Rami Fustok now considers himself a Londoner having grown up in Beirut. A businessman and an entrepreneur, Fustok is the owner of The Mandrake – a brand new independent boutique hotel in the heart of London, which was recently reviewed by Hotel Designs, and combines eclectic, vibrant interiors, extraordinary art, intriguing soundscapes and specially designed scents.

Formed in 2000, Bespoke Hotels has grown to represent more than 200 properties worldwide, and now stands as the UK’s largest Independent Hotel Group. Ranging from specialist golfing hotels to award-winning spa resorts and chic city centre properties, the group prides itself on a diverse roster and a unique, individualised management style. Bespoke Hotel’s Chairman, Robin Sheppard, has recently been appointed Chairman of the Institute of Hospitality, as well as being instated as Hotel Sector Champion by the Government’s Office for Disability Issues. A tireless campaigner for awareness around disability and the importance of accessible design, Sheppard launched the Bespoke Access Awards in 2016 alongside members of the House of Lords.

The largest such design competition in the country, the now Blue Badge Access Awards, is going into its third iteration and has seen winning designs incorporated across the Bespoke portfolio and forthcoming new-build locations.

After two years leading the restaurant team at The PIG near Bath, during which she was awarded a Hotel Catey, Sarah Holden was promoted to the position of Hotel Director in 2015. Since then, Holden has made a name for herself on the British hotel scene by overseeing 90 staff in the stunning 29-key property.

Thomas Kochs became the Managing Director of The Corinthia London in May 2017. Kochs is responsible for managing Corinthia Hotel’s flagship property, which
opened its doors on Whitehall Place in 2011. In six years, Corinthia London has achieved international acclaim as one of the world’s leading luxury five-star hotels. The hotel, located near London’s Embankment features 294-guestrooms, suites and penthouses, two international restaurants, a cocktail bar and the UK’s award-winning ESPA Life.

Nominated for Hotelier of Year at this year’s Independent Hotel Show, Will Ashworth took over his parent’s hotel business in 2004. Going against the grain of a typical seaside hotel, Ashworth transformed the Watergate Bay Hotel’s fortunes by refurbishing the building, running fresh initiatives and taking its marketing to new heights. As a direct result, the hotel now runs at 86 percent occupancy all year round.

Top hoteliers

Barney Cunliffe is the Managing Director of the truly family run The Gilpin. At the heart of the hotel is a very passionate family and team, dedicated to creating lasting memories for guests who return time and again for romance, celebrations and escapes.

For Cunliffe and his team, hospitality starts with a very warm welcome and ends with a friendly goodbye, with extraordinary service, exquisite décor and stunning culinary experiences in between.

Brian Benson’s genuine charm and warmth, which echoes throughout The Gainsborough, makes him a truly exceptional hotelier in Britain today.

The hotel, which was reviewed by Hotel Designs, was opened in 2015 with interiors by celebrated designer Alexandra Champalimaud. It prides itself as Bath’s most exclusive hotel as it is the only hotel spa in the city that taps into the natural heated thermal springs.

Conor O’Leary, who brings more than 20 years’ experience to his role, first joined Gleneagles in November 2016 when he took up the position of Hotel Manager, with chief responsibility for all food and beverage operations across the hotel and estate.

Since then, he has exceeded in his mission to enhance the reputation of Perthshire and to position Gleneagles as Scotland’s luxury playground with a number of pursuits, activities and opportunities outside a typical hotel. The most recent addition to the hotel is Ochil House, featured as part of a review by Hotel Designs as an exceptional add-on meeting area designed by Ennismore’s design team, led by Charlie North.

The charismatic Managing Director is as much of an institution as the hotel itself, having been with The Goring since 1990. In his 25 years at the hotel, he has overseen some of its greatest and exciting periods of transformation.

This year, Morgan-Hewitt was named Top General Manager of the Year Worldwide by Luxury Travel Advisor. In addition to leading the hotel
forward, he also sits on the Executive Committee of the Master Innholders and is an Honorary Catering Advisor to the Army.

Whilst the hotel’s interiors boast a home-away-from-home feel, it is DUKES LONDON’s impeccable service which truly makes it one of the best boutique hotels in London. Debrah Dhugga, Managing Director of DUKES COLLECTION, ensures that each team member offers a five-star guest experience, helping to create lasting memories throughout the stay within an iconic, yet chic environment. The Mission Statement for DUKES LONDON’s team is: “A hidden gem where we create personalised experiences with passion. It is somewhere rather special”.

The intimate and exclusive hotel has been welcoming guests for 110 years and features 90 rooms, including 11 suites and one Penthouse Suite. DUKES LONDON boasts a Drawing Room and Conservatory, the signature restaurant GBR, the renowned DUKES Bar, a gym and health club, a Cognac & Cigar Garden, as well as three well-appointed meeting rooms and elegant wedding facilities. Dhugga is, as far as we could find, the only female hotel Managing Director in London.

Top designers

Rachel Johnson brings to the team at Wimberly Interiors more than 20 years’ experience in the hospitality industry. Her appreciation for design and pragmatic approach to interior renovation has led to her working with some of the most celebrated hotel brands such as Bellagio, St. Regis, Hard Rock and Nobu among others.

As a senior interior designer, Johnson is proficient in meeting the needs of the client and advising on new innovative design techniques that introduce individuality to the project. Her acute eye for detail has been cultivated from extensive experience in the design industry. Having worked as a contract manager accompanied by more than 10 years’ experience in design management, Johnson has a strong understanding of the hospitality industry and the processes involved in project development.

Suna Interior Design is an award-winning boutique interior design consultancy, which provides interior services for property developers and the hospitality industry. Rebecca Hunt and Helen Fewster head up the London-based studio ensuring that a high level of attention is dedicated to each client and project.

British designer Tara Bernerd is the founder of Tara Bernerd & Partners, a leading international interior architecture and design practice based in London’s Belgravia. Having cut her creative teeth under Philippe Starck at his YOO design studio in the 1990s, Bernerd has earned a reputation as one of the world’s foremost interior architectural designers.

An avowed design crusader, she believes that design can and should make a difference. Working on projects across the globe, Bernerd and her team strive to create a feeling of authenticity for each property by establishing a distinct design DNA that is true to both the location and the people who will make it their home. Whether in a hotel lobby, a restaurant, or a private residence, they seek to create meaning and connection through a distinct sense of place.

Originally trained as an Architect in Australia, Terry McGinnity moved to London to continue his career. After assuming the role of managing director of GA Design in 1998, he has turned the studio into one of the most dynamic and interesting interior design firms working out of the UK.

He has recentlymoved into the position of global executive design director where he oversees the creative output for all GA projects. GA Design deserves its place in the Brit List 2018 following the completion of iconic interior designs such as The Corinthia London, W Taipei, Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam and more recently W Shanghai.

Since the sad passing of Helen Green in 2012, the DNA of Green’s legacy is evident in the designs that have come out of the London studio in recent years. Leading that legacy now is Tim Murray. With more than 20 years’ experience of working in some of the UK’s most well-known interior design houses, Murray heads up the team of 20 at Helen Green Design Studio’s Knightsbridge residence. Spearheading the future creative direction and
development of the company, Murray’s love of design was influenced by his mother who was a fashion journalist and his father who was also an
interior designer. His role at Helen Green Design offers the opportunity to ensure the firm continuously evolves on a creative level – while also remaining artistically flexible to meet client needs.

Top designers 2018

Katherine Neathercoat joined Scott Brownrigg’s award-winning interior design team in 2017 as director/head of UK interior design. Based in the Endell Street office, Neathercoat leads the creative design direction of the interior design service for the brand. Working closely with the team, she is responsible for growing the interiors business, expanding its client base and developing the studio’s multi-sector offering, together with supporting Scott Brownrigg’s wider international growth initiatives.

As the head of interior design, she is integral to ensuring the success and high calibre of every project and has worked on numerous notable schemes for clients as diverse as Hard Rock, Expedia, Berkeley Homes, Thomson Reuters, glh Hotels, Canary Wharf Group and Lendlease.

Kim Partridge Interiors creates high-end hospitality and residential spaces with a personal touch. New to hotel design, Partridge has made a statement entrance having just completed the award-winning Neo-Gothic flavour interiors for Adare Manor.

“There is much that I find rewarding about my work, but essentially, I get the most thrill out of sourcing those final pieces that make a space personal,” Partridge said on her website. “I absolutely love books and libraries, so often aim to find something unusual relating to the project that will tell a story.”

The founder and managing director of MKV Design, Maria Vafiadis is an established thought-leader within the interior design world. With her body of work expanding more than two decades, Vafiadis’ ‘every project is one-off’ approach reflects her constant quest for new ideas.

Her ability to celebrate location is at the heart of the new Bürgenstock Hotel, which is located 500m above Lake Lucerne in Switzerland.

Martin Brudnizki is one of the world’s most acclaimed designers – and for good reason. Previous prevalent projects in the hospitality industry include The Ivy in Soho, Sexy Fish and The Beekman in New York. His recent works include Cambridge’s new hotel, University Arms, and Annabel’s nightclub in London. Brudnizki’s love for design started from a young age. His mother was a stylist and his father a mechanical engineer; the combination of these elements embedded a deep understanding of aesthetics alongside a grounding in functionality.

Following a number of successful positions at renowned interior design firms, Brudnizki established his eponymous studio in London in 2000 and later in 2012 launched a New York studio in response to the growth in demand.

Nicholas Stoupas has successfully led a number of prestigious projects including Hyatt Abu Dhabi, Hyatt Regency Minsk, Hilton Bankside, InterContinental Westminster, Aloft Abu Dhabi and Russel Hotel London. Working with Joseph Stella, he is currently working on projects such as Le Meridian Abuja, Hyatt Regency Rawalpindi, Four Points Sheraton Abuja, Westin Abuja.

Top designers 2018

Harry Gregory has more than 35 years’ experience in designing hotels, restaurants and private residences worldwide. After graduating from the Royal College of Art, he worked on product design and later specialised in furniture design at Dale Keller & Associates.

Gregory then made the move to GA Design in London, incorporating his product expertise into interior architectural design. It was there that he met Andre Avedian, and acknowledging their complementary work patterns and mutual desire to create a truly bespoke experience for clients, they co-founded Ara Design to deliver just this.

SUSD recently completed The Curtain, which opened as Shoreditch’s new kid on the block and has a key focus on private members’ clubs look and feel. With more than 25 years’ experience, Harris who founded SUSD Ltd, has been at the forefront of the renaissance in private members’ clubs in the UK.

SUSD specialises in delivering standard-setting, complex projects, within strict time and budget requirements. Its vision is to provide a project delivery service of the highest standard incorporating collaborative working combined with innovative thinking.

Suna Interior Design is an award-winning boutique interior design consultancy who provides interior services for property developers and the hospitality industry. Helen Fewster and Rebecca Hunt head up the London-based studio ensuring that a high level of attention is dedicated to each client and project.

“As a tight-knit team of designers, we ensure concepts and visions become reality, producing lifestyle enhancing designs delivered through a consistently personal service. We are proud of the portfolio we have created, which is showcased here.”

Jo Littlefair is a designer-at-large for the company, bringing inspiration from her travels into the studio and sharing her passion for new and exciting dining, dwelling and hospitality experiences. Littlefair’s curious and observant nature quickly recognises coming evolutions in consumer, industry and design trends. Her particular focus is on delivery, ensuring that the essence of a concept has always been fully evoked and that all the softer details and touchpoints meet her exacting standards.

Littlefair is regularly asked to write and speak about innovations in consumer behaviour, as well as in developments in luxury-market fabrics, furniture and colour.

Prior to working with Twenty2Degrees, Joseph Stella worked as a senior designer for Jestico + Whiles and RPW Design.

He is currently working on projects such as Le Meridian Abuja, Hyatt Regency Rawalpindi, Four Points Sheraton Abuja and Westin Abuja. Since joining the company in 2013, Stella has brought to the team a diverse and open approach to design that encapsulates the ethos of twenty2degrees, strengthening the conceptual side of the practice.

Time is running out in order to claim your ticket to what is being billed as ‘the after party of show season 2018’…

With just three days until The Brit List 2018 is unveiled – and the winners of the six newly launched events are announced – time for designers, hoteliers, architects and key-industry suppliers to purchase their tickets to meet up with Britain’s leading influencers in international hotel design is running out. There are now just a few remaining tickets left.

Hamilton Litestat is confirmed to switch on The Brit List 2018 to unveil the top 75 interior designers, hoteliers and architects operating in Britain today. Following this, the winners of The Brit List’s newly launched awards will also be crowned. The categories are:

Inspiration in Design – Interior Designer of the Year (Award Sponsor: Tarkett Flooring)

The Past President of the British Institute Interior Design (BIID) and co-founder of Leon Black Architecture and Interior Design, Charles Leon, will speak on Britain’s position in international hotel design and hospitality post-Brexit. Leon, who was one of the five judges for The Brit List 2018 and the awards, said ahead of the awards: “I am delighted to have been asked to speak at The Brit List 2018. Two of the UK’s major contributions to why Britain holds its place as a major international hub has always been its quirky education system and its ability to send out into the world innovative thinkers, not just in design and the arts, but in science, technology and research too. If we don’t teach people how to think, rather than what to think, our future is doomed – and I am excited to speak about this and the future of British hotel design and architecture on the night.”

In addition to Leon’s speakership, guests will also enjoy a talk by lighting expert to the stars, Moritz Waldemeyer. The experimental lighting expert, who exhibited a tactile personalised lighting display at London Design Festival this year, will speak to the audience on how hotel lighting has changed in recent years how lighting technology is allowing for more creative interiors.

There are now just four days left for interior designers, hoteliers, architects and key-industry suppliers to claim their tickets to one of the most anticipated hotel design awards events of the year…

With just four days until The Brit List 2018 is unveiled – and the winners of the six newly launched events are announced – time for designers, hoteliers, architects and key-industry suppliers to purchase their tickets to meet up with Britain’s leading influencers in international hotel design is running out.

Hamilton Litestat is confirmed to switch on The Brit List 2018 to unveil the top 75 interior designers, hoteliers and architects operating in Britain today. Following this, the winners of The Brit List’s newly launched awards will also be crowned. The categories are:

Inspiration in Design – Interior Designer of the Year (Award Sponsor: Tarkett Flooring)

The Past President of the British Institute Interior Design (BIID) and co-founder of Leon Black Architecture and Interior Design, Charles Leon, will speak on Britain’s position in international hotel design and hospitality post-Brexit. Leon, who was one of the five judges for The Brit List 2018 and the awards, said ahead of the awards: “I am delighted to have been asked to speak at The Brit List 2018. Two of the UK’s major contributions to why Britain holds its place as a major international hub has always been its quirky education system and its ability to send out into the world innovative thinkers, not just in design and the arts, but in science, technology and research too. If we don’t teach people how to think, rather than what to think, our future is doomed – and I am excited to speak about this and the future of British hotel design and architecture on the night.”

In addition to Leon’s speakership, guests will also enjoy a talk by lighting expert to the stars, Moritz Waldemeyer. The experimental lighting expert, who exhibited a tactile personalised lighting display at London Design Festival this year, will speak to the audience on how hotel lighting has changed in recent years how lighting technology is allowing for more creative interiors.

Hotel Designs unveils the latest leading figures who will be attending The Brit List 2018 as time is running out for designers, architects, hoteliers and suppliers to secure their place…

With just three weeks to go until The Brit List 2018, time is running out to book your tickets to Britain’s leading networking evening for interior designers, hoteliers, architects and key-industry suppliers.

On November 22 at BEAT London, as well as unveiling the 75 most influential designers, hoteliers and architects who deserve their place in The Brit List 2018, Hotel Designs will also announce the winners of the six newly launched awards. These include:

The Brit List, which celebrates Britain’s top 25 influential interior designers, hoteliers and architects, has announced the judging panel for this year’s awards taking place on November 22 at BEAT London…

Ahead of this year’s anticipated Brit List, which launched last year with the aim to raise the profile of British creatives in the industry, Hotel Designs has confirmed the five judges who together will agree on which designers, hoteliers and architects deserve to be recognised in the 2018 Brit List.

In addition to The Brit List, Hotel Designs has also launched six new awards that will also be presented to the winners on the night The Brit List 2018 is unveiled. These awards are:

As well as the BIID becoming the event’s industry partner, Gilly Craft brings with her a wealth of interior design experience as well as a deep understanding for trends and recognising potential in creatives. “I am very excited to be one of the judges for the Brit List this year,” said Craft on accepting the role as a judge. “It is important that designers have the opportunity to be recognised by their peers in this way.”

Charles Leon, founder of Leon Black Architectural

In 1994, Charles Leon established his own design practice, CLA which specialised in hospitality and residential design. In2010 he was joined by Nicholas Black and in 2014 they formed the partnership Leon Black.

Leon Black specialises in Residential and Hospitality Design and Interior Architecture. Charles, the former president of the BIID, also lectures on design theory, innovation, emotion and the workings of the designer’s mind. He is a guest lecturer at Middlesex University and The Interior Design School.

“I am very honoured to take part as a judge for the Hotel Designs Brit List this year and to have the opportunity to celebrate the breadth and depth of UK designers and hoteliers,” said Leon.

Gerri Gallagher, former associate editor, Tatler

Drawing on 25 years of editorial experience at Tatler with specific emphasis on luxury travel, an extensive global knowledge of five-star hotels and spas and a unique US/UK perspective, Gerri Gallagher is a highly-respected professional who combines a strong creative vision with an astute understanding of what discerning international clients expect.

“I was honoured to be asked to participate in the Hotel Designs Brit List 2018. In my professional capacity as a hotel/spa consultant I work with some of the finest hoteliers and designers in the world,” said Gallagher. “To sit on the panel of judges for this prestigious event is an exciting opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of the industry’s British superstars.”

Lysbeth Fox, founder and director of Fox PR

Lysbeth Fox is the Managing Director of luxury travel, wellness and gourmet agency Fox PR, whose portfolio of clients includes some of the most prestigious in the world. Lysbeth is currently in India building a school with her daughter so was unable to supply a quote for this announcement. I am honoured to be amongst such a prestigious panel of judges – and for such an important award,” said Fox. “As a longtime advisor and strategist for luxury hotels – it has been my privilege to work with some of the most innovative and stylish destinations in the world. I am looking forward to reviewing this year’s best of British nominees.”

Hamish Kilburn, editor, Hotel Designs

Overseeing the panel is Hamish Kilburn, the editor of Hotel Designs. Kilburn has reviewed some of the most spectacular hotels around the world and has his finger on the pulse when it comes to the latest happenings in the world of international hotel design.

Together with the strong team behind the brand, he is helping to strengthen Hotel Designs’ events offering including The Brit List, Hotel Summit, Meet Up and the launch of a new event for interior designers and architects that will launch in 2019.

Once all nominations have been received by the closing date of September 16, the judging panel will select the final 75 most inspirational and influential people in British design, hotels and architecture.

On November 22, designers, hoteliers, architects and key suppliers to the industry will gather at BEAT London where The Brit List 2018 will be unveiled.

Industry suppliers and delegates will be able purchase tickets to attend the awards ceremony, and there are a limited number of sponsorship opportunities available for this prestigious and influential event. For more details contact Phoebe Kasapi by emailing p.kasapi@forumevents.co.uk, or calling 01992 374059.

Hotel Designs has announced that early bird tickets for this year’s Brit List 2018 are now available for a limited time before the awards ceremony on November 22.

Taking place at BEAT, London, the leading interior designers, hoteliers, architects and key suppliers to the industry will gather to witness the announcement of not only this year’s The Brit List 2018 (the top 25 British designers, hoteliers and architects) but also the winners of the six new awards up for grabs.

Early-bird tickets

Delegates and suppliers who purchase their tickets to the event before the nominations cut-off date of September 16 will take full advantage of the sizable discount on offer: